As college students, we are used to diets of EasyMac and Ramen. When we go out to eat, we are met by a city full of fast food monopolies. It seems as if organic, straight-from-the-fields products are reserved for rural America, and we get the processed leftovers. But Agraria, a restaurant conveniently located in lower Georgetown, offers an alternative to the typical D.C. cuisine. Chefs use wholesome ingredients directly from family-owned farms. So, if you are dressed for a nice night out on the town, either for a simple drink at a pleasant bar or for a delicious full-course meal, head toward Washington Harbour for a refreshingly satisfying experience at Agraria.
Surrounded by the brightly lit trees and bubbling fountain of Washington Harbour, Agraria’s structured sign and tranquil lights automatically catch any person’s wandering eye. Once inside, patrons are surrounded by gentle melodies relaxing to anyone from a stressed college student to a retired businessman. The décor merges the structured lines of modern architecture with the more natural and warm characteristics of the countryside.
Your eye immediately travels to the conveniently placed bar, with its brightly lit backdrop and large screen televisions, contrasted by the simple beige walls, rustic photos and serene lighting throughout the restaurant. With booths that stretch to the ceiling and a view that looks out on Washington Harbour, Agraria has the perfect location and ambiance for a pleasurable experience.
With moderately to expensively priced menu selections, Agraria offers a variety of traditional meals. However, each is topped with spices and sauces that add some new flavor to the conventional recipes. The menu offers starters from simple appetizers like Caesar salad to more original options like the poached tuna salad, all in the price range of $4 to $12. When it comes to entrées, Agraria offers many variations of meat, poultry and seafood. Prices range from $15 for the fettuccini to $36 for the steak dishes, with the menu containing multiple choices within each category. For example, for meat options, there are three different cuts of steak (rib eye, New York strip and filet mignon), lamb, pork and venison. But if red meat is not for you, do not worry because the poultry, seafood and pasta all offer excellent substitutes — especially the rockfish, which combines many different flavors into one delectable meal. However, try not to stuff yourself too much with these entrées because delicious, sizeable portions for dessert lie ahead. While waiting for your meal, Agraria offers friendly service. Need more water or — maybe more importantly — more wine? Agraria’s waiters and waitresses will be over in a jiffy to serve. Fear not, cold soups and undercooked meats will not be served at this restaurant. Your meals will come out at the perfect temperature. What makes each bite that much more satisfying is the presentation of the food. Each entrée is presented with an accompanying vegetable and carbohydrate.
Eating out does not mean that you cannot eat right. Agraria’s portions are a nice size — not too big, but not too small. So, if you are looking for family-sized portions, turn around and head to Buca di Beppo in Dupont because Agraria is not for you. However, if you are looking for perfect proportions that will not make you have to unbutton that top button of your pants by the end of the meal, Agraria will “fit” you just perfectly.
Due to the commitment to using ingredients from family farmers, the menu changes according to seasonal agriculture but always utilizes the products in an interesting and delicious way. With the motto, “From our fields to your table,” Agraria truly delivers when it serves.